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We're at risk of not having properly constituted IEBC – Clerics

"The matter should be completed soon to enable IEBC embark on constituency boundaries delimitation."

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by MARGARET ACHIENG'

News03 October 2023 - 11:09
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In Summary


  • • General Secretary Chris Kinyanjui said recommended that an advisory opinion should be sought from courts to extend timelines for delimination process by two years.
  • • He further said the proposal for the creation of the Office of Leader of Opposition is a step in the right direction.
NCCK chairman Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki.

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has urgently called for the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

During a presentation to the National Dialogue Committee on Tuesday, NCCK emphasised the current state in which the country does not have a properly constituted elections management body is risky.

They stressed the need for immediate action.

"This must be remedied with utmost urgency," NCCK said in submissions presented by chairman Timothy Ndambuki and General Secretary Chris Kinyanjui.

The body further said the recruitment of IEBC should be completed soon so that the electoral body can embark on constituency and ward boundaries delimitation.

"It is now clear that the deadline of March 24 for delimination will be violated creating a constitutional crisis," Kinyanjui stated.

He recommended that an advisory opinion should be sought from the courts to extend the timelines for the delimination process by two years.

On calls to audit the 2022 presidential elections, NCCK noted that the results of each of the presidential elections since 2007 have been questioned, at times with devastating outcomes.

"We recommend enactment of legislation to establish a Judicial Commission to carry out an audit of the 2022 General Elections to ensure the process promotes peace, stability and national cohesion," Kinyanjui stated.

He further said the proposal for the creation of the Office of Leader of Opposition is a step in the right direction.

"NCCK is on record recommending that measures be taken to provide for a dignified opposition."

Kinyanjui further stated that the proposed establishment of the Office of Prime Cabinet Secretary is a move to legalise what already exists.

NCCK nonetheless said it was opposed to any proposal to amend the Constitution.

"It will not be prudent, at this moment in time to subject the country to the polarisation and politicisation of life that accompanies constitutional amendment discourse," NCCK said.

The council urged the committee to identify and drive legislative and policy measures to address issues set out in the agenda.

NCCK is a family of Christian churches and communities established in 1913.

This makes NCCK the oldest and largest umbrella body for churches in Kenya, bringing together 32 member churches and 18 Christian organisations.

NCCK has a presence in all 47 counties, bringing together 16 million Christians and over 50, 000 congregations.


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